"The teenSMART program brings parents and teens together in a structured practice program of computer simulations and behind the wheel practice of the specific driving challenges that contribute to the most teen crashes," said John Ulczycki, vice president of strategic initiatives for the National Safety Council. "Teens must have driving experience to become safe drivers and parents need to understand how to help their teens practice the most important aspects of driving. The teenSMART program provides some of that necessary experience and understanding in a way that is proven to work in reducing teen crashes."

The Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award, supported by the General Motors Foundation, honors individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to reducing the number of crashes, injuries and deaths involving teen drivers.

"It is a tremendous honor for the teenSMART program to be recognized by the nation's premier safety organization," said Dr. Richard Harkness, CEO of ADEPT Driver. "We deeply appreciate the support from the National Safety Council for organizations like ours that are committed to improving driver safety. Receiving this award is a wonderful way to celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week. The teenSMART program is proven to reduce teen driver crashes. We hope that this recognition will encourage more young drivers to become teenSMART drivers."

The teenSMART program specifically addresses the six leading causes of most teen driver crashes:

Poor visual awareness skills;

Poor hazard detection skills;

Poor risk assessment skills;

Excessive speed;

Poor space management; and

Teen lifestyle issues.

The teenSMART program uses realistic and challenging computer-based driving simulations that improve teen drivers' skills in each of these areas and help them avoid risk when they are behind the wheel. Independent evaluations show that teens that have completed the teenSMART course have a measurable decrease in car crashes with fewer injuries and traffic citations compared to otherwise similar teen drivers. Insurance claims among teenSMART drivers have been reduced by 25% - 40%.